IRAQ U.S. 3rd Infantry Division moves into Baath resistance stronghold

HABANIYAH, Iraq (AP) -- More than 1,500 combat soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division moved into two central Iraqi cities known for their anti-American sentiment today, more than tripling the number of soldiers in the area to quell recent attacks on U.S. forces.
No immediate problems were reported as the troops deployed.
Two battalion-size task forces took up positions around the city of Fallujah, 40 miles west of Baghdad, and another task force took over two military airfields in Habaniyah, five miles farther west. Saddam Hussein's Baath Party still has strong support in Fallujah and Habaniyah, where ultraconservative Sunni Muslims have significant influence.
Two major highways connecting Baghdad to Syria and Jordan run through the two towns, where about 300 soldiers from the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment have maintained a mostly symbolic presence.
Violence
But after two violent demonstrations and several guerrilla attacks on U.S. troops, commanders decided to send in the battle-hardened 2nd Brigade of the 3rd Infantry, which captured most of Baghdad.
The brigade's mission will be to defeat Baath Party supporters and other militias opposed to U.S. occupation from the cities. The second part of the mission will be to assist in restoring any damaged infrastructure.
The operation was expected to begin within the next 10 days.
At dawn today, more than 1,500 combat soldiers, 88 M1A1 Abrams tanks and 44 Bradley Fighting Vehicles were loaded onto cargo trucks and dropped off outside the two cities. Soldiers then mounted their combat vehicles and drove to their new positions inside town.
Commanders said the troops will saturate the area with checkpoints and conduct cordon and search operations for anti-American forces. Officers said the troops would also begin community projects or help rehabilitate schools, hospitals and other infrastructure if the community cooperates.
Setting up
Soldiers from A Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment immediately began setting up a headquarters at Habaniyah Air Base, built by the British in the early 1950s.
Most of the buildings had been looted after Iraqi troops abandoned the base, with almost everything that could be removed -- including light switches and door frames -- stolen.
The troops were greeted by curious shepherds, grazing sheep and goats on the base grounds. The soldiers began cleaning the old tin-roofed barracks to use themselves.
"It won't be that bad, once we get some fans blowing through here," Capt. Chris Carter, the company commander said.
He stood in one shell of a building, where even the tiles on the fireplace had been pried off by looters.
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